FT: Ex-Air Chief Threatens to Upturn Apple Cart of Bulgarian Politics

Socialist-backed presidential candidate Rumen Radev is on the brink of winning the election to become the next head of state, "in the process potentially upturning the apple cart of Bulgarian politics," the Financial Times writes.

A story published after Radev came first in the November 06 presidential election explores the potential implications of his victory in the runoff vote.

The former Air Force chief could take up to 55% of the vote on November 13, Kancho Stoychev of Gallup International Balkan pollsters is quoted as saying.

Radev's fluency in languages is pointed out as a potential advantage to the main ruling party's candidate Tsetska Tsacheva.

However, a reference is also made to accusations that Radev is "too close to Moscow and not fuly committed to Bulgaria's EU and NATO memberships", against the backdrop of his calls for an end to sanctions on Russia but also of his support for Bulgaria's place in the Western alliance system.

"Diplomats in Sofia said they had no reason to doubt his loyalties to the EU and Nato, and observed that it was natural for Bulgarian politicians seeking votes to make a play for the sizeable Russophile element of the electorate."

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